NABC Store Manager's Diary — Thursday, October 8, 2026

Today I received packages for the first time in a while: back issues and the new issue of Taido Tanka that I ordered the other day. I was notified that they were being carried on X, so I hurriedly ordered the out-of-stock copies. Although it's called a new issue, it looks like it was released around the summer — I missed it, and I'm sorry about that. Issue No. 7 also features many distinguished tanka poets. A truly luxurious volume. In connection with Beniko's photo exhibition starting Saturday, I also stocked books related to the yūkaku (licensed pleasure quarters). Kohaku Bunko's Jigoku no Hangyakusha: A Collection of Yūkaku-Related Works by Takako Matsumura also arrived. I ordered it without knowing much about it, but Matsumura was from Osaka and apparently worked as a shōgi (prostitute) in the Nakamura yūkaku. Afterwards she escaped the yūkaku with companions and became active in the movement to abolish the licensed prostitution system. I think both of the books that arrived today will enrich our store's selection. Please drop by and take a look.